LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Paul George led a remarkable comeback as the Los Angeles Clippers overturned a 26-point deficit to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers, 120-118, in the National Basketball Association on Sunday.

George erupted for 23 points in a fourth-quarter charge, including the go-ahead shot with seven seconds remaining, and then made a crucial block to preserve the Clippers' lead just before the buzzer.

It was the final act of an incredible individual display by George who finished with 39 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists and who was a perfect 16-of-16 from the free throw line.

James Harden added 22 points, while Ivica Zubac, Terance Mann and Norman Powell all had 14 points apiece.

"It was a collective team win," George said.

"I can't take credit for none of it without them. It couldn't have happened without those guys chipping in and doing what they do."

The Clippers had looked to be heading for a monumental beatdown after a disastrous first-half performance that saw Cleveland rack up back-to-back 40-point quarters to lead, 80-59, at halftime.

"I knew we weren't ourselves," George said of his team's first half.

"At that point I was locked in and committed to do whatever it takes to win."

The victory boosts the Clippers' chances of securing the fourth seed in the Western Conference. Los Angeles improved to 50-28 to remain fourth in the standings, ahead of the fifth-placed Dallas Mavericks, who are 48-30.

Both teams have four regular season games remaining.

The Mavericks kept up their late-season charge with a third straight victory in a 147-136 overtime win over the Houston Rockets.

Kyrie Irving led the way with 48 points, while Luka Doncic had 37 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds as the Mavericks came back from 22 points down to prevail.